Methods and apparatus for performing valvuloplasty

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for performing valvuloplasty. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an expandable braid valvuloplasty device. In some embodiments, the methods and apparatus may be used as an adjunct to percutaneous heart valve replacement. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods may provide a medical practitioner with feedback, monitoring or measurement information, e.g., information relevant to percutaneous transcatheter heart valve replacement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/724,455, filed Oct. 6, 2005, and is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/982,692, filed Nov. 5, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,442, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/746,120, now abandoned, filed 1; Dec. 23, 2003, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and to which we claim priority under 35 USC §§119 and 120.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing valvuloplasty. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing valvuloplasty as an adjunct to percutaneous transcatheter heart valve replacement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Failing heart valves can become calcified and stenotic. Valvuloplasty is a procedure that can break calcification and open up heart valves. With the advent of percutaneous transcatheter heart valve replacement (“PTVR”), the importance of valvuloplasty devices and procedures may increase, since a valvuloplasty procedure may be required to facilitate the proper placement and/or expansion of a percutaneously delivered valve. Use of valvuloplasty in connection with PTVR is expected to present unique challenges not previously addressed or accounted for by the valvuloplasty prior art.

One problem associated with prior art balloon-based valvuloplasty devices is that the balloon may conform to the profile of the stenosed native valve, as opposed to forcing the stenosed valve to conform to a desired predetermined shape or profile of the balloon. Furthermore, some balloon-based valvuloplasty devices completely occlude the native valve and thereby stop the flow of blood during the valvuloplasty procedure. This severely limits the amount of time over which the procedure may be practiced and brings additional risks to the already debilitated patient, thereby limiting the patient population on whom the procedure may be performed.

Pedersen U.S. 2005/0090846 is a balloon-based device that incorporates a valve within the balloon in order to maintain blood flow during the valvuloplasty procedure. In such a device, the balloon may require a relatively large cross-sectional area in order to generate the substantial radial pressure against the native valve necessary to perform the procedure, thereby increasing its profile and reducing the patient population in which the device may be utilized. As such, a balloon-based valvuloplasty device that incorporates a valve may only partially overcome the problem of flow occlusion during valvuloplasty, since its use may be limited by size constraints.

Another problem associated with prior art balloon-based valvuloplasty devices is the tendency of the valvuloplasty balloon to slip out of the stenotic area during the valvuloplasty procedure. Such slippage may, for example, arise as a result of the pressures exerted on the device by blood ejected from the beating heart, or as a function of how the valvuloplasty device inflates. A number of device designs have been conceived to try to reduce or eliminate slippage. Some of these designs make use of a shaped balloon in which a necked-in region is intended to interface with the stenosed region of the native valve (see, for example, PCT Publication No. WO 99/15223 to Cardeon Corporation, published Apr. 1, 1999). However, use of a valvuloplasty device incorporating a necked-in region requires precise placement of the valvuloplasty balloon prior to inflation and may not adequately dilate the target region. Other designs make use of an “ordered inflation”, wherein the balloon sequentially inflates, for example, with the distal end of the balloon beginning to inflate first, followed by inflation of the proximal end and final inflation of the center of the balloon positioned across the native valve. See, e.g., Owens et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,830.

An alternative prior art valvuloplasty technique, described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,838 to Schwartz et al., utilizes a number of “ribs” which, when constrained in such a way as to decrease the distance between their proximal and distal ends, “bulge” radially outward and apply radially outward-directed forces to the stenotic native valve. These devices suffer from a number of shortcomings. The minimal number of point contacts associated with the small number of ribs is expected to localize forces, thereby increasing the risk of localized tissue failure, e.g., perforation or dissection. Such devices also may be less efficient at transmitting the force provided by the medical practitioner into the radially- and outwardly-directed forces necessary for expansion of the native stenosed valve, as compared to traditional balloon valvuloplasty devices. Furthermore, these devices may require precise placement both axially and rotationally relative to the stenotic native valve.

In view of the drawbacks associated with previously known methods and apparatus for performing valvuloplasty, it would be desirable to provide methods and apparatus that overcome those drawbacks. It also would be desirable to provide methods and apparatus for performing valvuloplasty that address the unique challenges associated with using such methods and apparatus as adjuncts to percutaneous transcatheter heart valve replacement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for performing valvuloplasty. The apparatus includes an expandable braid valvuloplasty device; and a delivery system configured for percutaneous delivery, expansion and retrieval of the braid valvuloplasty device at a valvuloplasty site to perform a valvuloplasty procedure. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a valve configured to regulate blood flow during the valvuloplasty procedure. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include one or more measurement elements for monitoring the valvuloplasty procedure.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for performing valvuloplasty, the method including the steps of percutaneously delivering an expandable braid valvuloplasty device to a valvuloplasty site within a patient, and temporarily expanding the expandable braid valvuloplasty device to perform the valvuloplasty. In some embodiments, the method may include regulating blood flow in a vicinity of the valvuloplasty site during the valvuloplasty. In some embodiments, the method may include monitoring at least one characteristic of the expandable braid valvuloplasty device during the valvuloplasty.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views, partially in section, of valvuloplasty apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2G are side views, partially in section, illustrating a method of using the apparatus of FIG. 1 to perform valvuloplasty;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view, partially in section, of an alternative delivery system for valvuloplasty apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic side-sectional detail views illustrating an embodiment of an optional valve utilized in combination with valvuloplasty apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic side-sectional detail views illustrating an alternative embodiment of an optional valve utilized in combination with valvuloplasty apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic side-sectional detail view illustrating methods and apparatus for interfacing valvuloplasty apparatus of the present invention with a delivery system;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side-sectional detail view illustrating alternative methods and apparatus for interfacing valvuloplasty apparatus of the present invention with a delivery system;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side-sectional detail view illustrating further alternative methods and apparatus for interfacing valvuloplasty apparatus of the present invention with a delivery system; and

FIG. 9 is schematic side-sectional view of a control assembly for deploying and retrieving valvuloplasty apparatus of the present invention, the control assembly comprising measurement elements for determining information relevant to percutaneous transcatheter heart valve replacement.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show details of a lockable expandable braid, with FIG. 10B showing the expandable braid supporting a valve.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show details of a locking post for use with an expandable and lockable braid having multiple lock positions.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show details of one embodiment of an actuator element release mechanism for use with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing valvuloplasty. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing valvuloplasty as an adjunct to percutaneous transcatheter heart valve replacement (“PTVR”). Such use in connection with PTVR is expected to present unique challenges not previously addressed or accounted for by the prior art. For example, the medical practitioner may require additional feedback from the device when performing the valvuloplasty procedure.

An important consideration when performing PTVR is correctly sizing the valve implant to be used in the procedure. Characterization of valve size may not be derived easily from standard visualization information generally available to a physician at the time of valve implantation, e.g., from fluoroscopic imaging of the native valve. Furthermore, known procedures which could provide such information may be prohibitively costly, time-consuming and/or invasive.

Even if proper sizing information were derivable from standard visualization information, such visualization information typically would provide no information on the stiffness of the native valve system either pre- or post-valvuloplasty. An expanded PTVR implant may rely, at least to some extent, on counter forces provided by the surrounding tissue for proper anchoring and sealing function. Thus, the stiffness of the native valve system in the area of the implant may provide key information to the practitioner useful, for example, in characterization of proper implant size and/or implant stiffness. As such, a valvuloplasty system designed to provide information on appropriate PTVR implant radial expansion forces and/or PTVR implant size would provide significant utility to the PTVR medical practitioner and patient.

With reference to FIGS. 1, a first embodiment of a valvuloplasty apparatus in accordance with the present invention is described. Versions of this embodiment may also be used as a PTVR implant. Further details of this embodiment are described in Ser. No. 10/746,120, filed Dec. 23, 2003, and Ser. No. 10/982,692, filed Nov. 5, 2004.

As illustrated by FIG. 1, valvuloplasty apparatus 10 includes an expandable braid 30 and an optional valve 20. Apparatus 10 may be collapsed for delivery within a delivery system 100, as in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, delivery system 100 illustratively includes a guidewire 102 and a nosecone 104. Braid actuation elements 106 extending from a multi-lumen shaft 108 connect apparatus 10 to the delivery system and may be used to actuate apparatus 10, as described below. An external sheath 110 is positioned over the shaft 108, and a control handle 120 connects to shaft 108 at its proximal end. A proximal handle 111 moves sheath 110 with respect to handle 120 and shaft 108. As shown in FIG. 1A, apparatus 10 is collapsed for delivery with lumen 112 of external sheath 110 distal of multi-lumen shaft 108.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, some of the actuation elements 106 are substantially stiff fingers extending between the distal end of shaft 108 and the proximal end of braid 30, and some of the actuation elements are control wires (e.g., strands of suture, or metal or polymer wires) extending from actuators 122, 124 and/or 126 in control handle 120 to the proximal ends of posts 32 attached to the distal end of braid 30 via, e.g., one or more lumens of the multi-lumen shaft 108. Alternatively, the control wires may connect directly to the distal end of braid 30. Braid actuation elements 106 may be connected directly to the valvuloplasty braid 30 in a manner that allows at least limited rotation between the braid and the actuation elements during expansion of the braid.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, apparatus 10 may also include a valve 20 within braid 30. Braid 30 can have closed ends (i.e., a continuous circumference) at either or both of its ends but preferably at least in its proximal end. As shown in FIG. 1B, optional valve 20 is coupled to the braid at posts 32. The optional posts can be attached to the braid's distal region, central region, or proximal region. Thus, optional posts 32 may function as a valve support and may be adapted to support the optional valve within the braid. In the embodiment shown, there are three posts, corresponding to the valve's three commissure attachments. Optional valve 20 can be composed of a metal, a synthetic material and/or may be derived from animal tissue. Valve 20 may be used to regulate blood flow during the valvuloplasty procedure. In embodiments in which the device is used as a PTVR implant, valve 20 is the replacement heart valve.

In some embodiments, braid 30 is collapsible and/or expandable and is formed from material such as Nitinol®, cobalt-chromium steel or stainless steel wire. For example, braid 30 may be self-collapsing and/or self-expanding and made out of shape memory material, such as Nitinol®. A braid composed of shape memory material may self-expand to or toward its “at-rest” configuration after removal of an external constraint, such as sheath 110. This “at-rest” configuration of a braid can be, for example its expanded configuration, its collapsed configuration, or a partially expanded configuration (between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration). In some embodiments, a braid's at-rest configuration is between its collapsed configuration and its expanded configuration. Depending on the “at-rest” diameter of the braid and the diameter of the patient's anatomy at the chosen deployment location, the braid may or may not self-expand to come into contact with the diameter of the patient's anatomy at that location upon removal of an external constraint. Further details regarding the braid, valve and delivery system may be found in Ser. No. 10/746,120, filed Dec. 23, 2003, and Ser. No. 10/982,692, filed Nov. 5, 2004.

During a valvuloplasty procedure, braid 30 may be expanded to a fully deployed configuration from a partial deployed configuration (e.g., a self-expanded or at-rest configuration). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the braid 30 is expanded actively, e.g., by actively foreshortening braid 30 during endovascular deployment. Active foreshortening is described in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/746,120. During active foreshortening, the distal region of braid 30 is pulled proximally via a proximally-directed force applied to posts 32 via, e.g., actuation control elements and/or control wires connected to the distal region of the braid. Actuation control elements engaged with the proximal end of braid 30 provide a distally-directed counter-force to the proximally directed force. The proximally- and distally directed forces applied to the distal and proximal regions, respectively, of the braid foreshorten the braid and expand it radially.

In some embodiments, active foreshortening of the apparatus involves applying a proximally-directed force on a deployment system interface at the distal end of the braid, while maintaining the proximal end of the braid in the same location. In other embodiments, foreshortening of the apparatus involves applying a distally-directed force on proximal end of the braid (e.g., by applying a distally-directed force on the braid actuation elements) while maintaining the distal end of the braid in the some location. In still other embodiments, a distally-directed force is applied to the proximal end of the braid, while a proximally-directed force is applied to the distal end of the braid.

The actuation elements (e.g., fingers, tubes, posts, and/or control wires connecting to posts), such as braid actuation elements 106, are preferably adapted to expand radially as the braid expands radially and to contract radially as the braid contracts radially. Furthermore, proximally- or distally-directed forces applied by actuation elements on one end of the braid do not diametrically constrain the opposite end of the braid. In addition, when a proximally- or distally-directed force is applied on the braid, it is preferably applied without passing any portion of the actuation elements through a center opening of the optional valve. This arrangement enables the valve to operate during valvuloplasty

The active expansion of the braid optionally may be assisted via inflation of a balloon catheter (not shown) reversibly disposed within apparatus 10, as described in previously incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/746,120. However, expansion without use of a balloon catheter is preferred such that flow is never occluded during deployment.

With reference to FIG. 2, in conjunction with FIG. 1, apparatus 10 may be utilized to perform valvuloplasty, e.g., aortic valvuloplasty. Such valvuloplasty may be utilized as an adjunct to PTVR. As seen in FIG. 2A, apparatus 10 may be advanced in a retrograde fashion through aorta A over guidewire 102 and placed across a patient's stenosed aortic valve AV using well-known percutaneous techniques. During delivery, apparatus 10 is positioned in the reduced delivery configuration within delivery system 100, as described with respect to FIG. 1A. Once positioned across the stenosed valve, external constraint may be partially removed from apparatus 10, for example, by retracting proximal handle 111 of sheath 110 relative to control handle 120, thereby retracting sheath 110 relative to apparatus 10 (handle 111 is positioned external to the patient). As seen in FIG. 2B, braid 30 of apparatus 10 begins to self-expand to the at-rest configuration. As seen in FIGS. 2C and 2D, apparatus 10 may be repositioned via delivery system 100 until the partially expanded distal region of the apparatus contacts the valve annulus, thereby ensuring proper positioning prior to completion of the valvuloplasty procedure.

Once properly positioned, further retraction of sheath 110 fully removes the external constraint from apparatus 10 such that braid 30 assumes the at-rest configuration, as seen in FIGS. 2E and 2F. If present, optional valve 20 regulates blood flow through the device to ensure continuous perfusion of the patient both during deployment and retrieval of the apparatus, as well as during the actual valvuloplasty. Braid 30 then may be actively expanded, as described previously with respect to FIG. 1B, to the configuration of FIG. 2G, such that apparatus 10 applies a radially outward force to the native valve to perform the valvuloplasty and restore adequate flow through the patient's native valve. After completion of the valvuloplasty procedure, apparatus 10 may again be positioned within lumen 112 of sheath 110, for example by retracting multi-lumen shaft 108 and apparatus 10 relative to sheath 110. Braid actuation elements 106 provide a smooth transition that progressively collapses braid 30 and allows apparatus to be re-positioned within lumen 112 of sheath 110. Once fully collapsed, apparatus 10 and delivery system 100 may be removed from the patient.

Use of valvuloplasty apparatus 10 provides a number of advantages over known valvuloplasty devices. For example, use of braid 30 with optional valve 20 provides a large, unobstructed cross-sectional area for blood flow, while additionally providing valve function during the valvuloplasty procedure. Thus, the duration of the valvuloplasty procedure is not limited by loss of blood flow, as are procedures using fully occlusive or less occlusive, but valveless, valvuloplasty devices. This allows for more accurate and careful positioning of the device prior to and during the expansion process. Additionally, since blood flow is not stopped during the procedure, the procedure can be performed on patients who otherwise would be considered too ill to survive such a procedure.

Positioning of a valvuloplasty device should be affected only minimally by blood ejected from the beating heart. The relatively low occlusive cross-sectional area of apparatus 10 is expected to reduce forces exerted on the apparatus by blood passing through the aortic valve, thereby decreasing the force necessary to maintain the apparatus in place during the procedure, as compared to some known valvuloplasty devices. Thus, the likelihood that apparatus 10 will undesirably migrate during the procedure is expected to be reduced relative to current techniques. Furthermore, the relative roughness of the outer surface of braid 30, as compared to the roughness of traditional balloon valvuloplasty devices, also is expected to hold apparatus 10 in place and reduce the likelihood of slippage or migration during expansion of the apparatus.

As another advantage, apparatus 10 having braid 30, either with or without optional valve 20, is expected to provide a more uniform distension to the native stenosed valve than would be provided by either a balloon-based or a ribbed valvuloplasty device. Braid 30 is expected to force the native valve to conform to the shape of the foreshortened and radially expanded braid. Expansion of the braid is expected to impart a roughly cylindrical distension to the native valve tissue; when utilized as an adjunct to PTVR, this roughly cylindrical shape may approximate the shape of the intended implant.

Apparatus 10 also provides an inherent mechanical advantage to the transmission of force to the patient's native valve, as compared to ribbed valvuloplasty devices. Ribbed devices take a certain amount of force to bend, in addition to the force necessary to displace the native valve. Additionally, since the forces will be concentrated on a limited number of ribs, the stresses on these ribs will be concentrated thereby increasing the risk of failure. As another advantage, apparatus 10 is expected to have a relatively low profile delivery configuration, as compared to balloon valvuloplasty devices that include a central valve.

The manner in which apparatus 10 is deployed (i.e., active foreshortening of braid 30 via delivery system 100) may provide a medical practitioner with tactile or force feedback information indicative of calcific cracking along the calcified aortic valve. This is in contrast to inflation of a balloon valvuloplasty device, which may not provide the medical practitioner with adequate tactile information related to calcific cracking. Optionally, the force applied by the medical practitioner during deployment of apparatus 10, as well as the resultant foreshortening of braid 30, may be measured or monitored to provide a force vs. distension curve that is indicative of calcific cracking.

Given the short-term use of apparatus 10, simplified embodiments of the apparatus and/or of delivery system 100 may be provided. Some embodiments may, for example, incorporate control elements that pass through or are positioned within the center of the apparatus. Other embodiments may not include optional valve 20. With reference to FIG. 3, alternative delivery system 200 suitable for delivering, deploying and retrieving valvuloplasty apparatus 10 is described. In FIG. 3, apparatus 10 illustratively does not have a valve.

Delivery system 200 has an outer shaft 210 coupled to a proximal region of apparatus 10, as well as an inner shaft 220 that passes through the lumen of apparatus 10 and is coupled to a distal region of the apparatus. The inner and/or outer shafts may be connected directly to apparatus 10; alternatively, the inner and/or outer shafts may be connected to the apparatus through an intermediary element configured for radial expansion. Inner shaft 220 is coaxially disposed within outer shaft 210. The inner shaft terminates at nosecone 222 and preferably has a guidewire lumen (not shown). As in the embodiment of FIG. 1, delivery system 200 may also have an outer sheath (not shown) that constrains apparatus 10 in a reduced configuration during delivery and retrieval from a valvuloplasty site.

Delivery system 200 has a control assembly 230 having handle 240 and trigger 250. Trigger 250 is pivotably connected to handle 240 at pivot 242. Furthermore, trigger 250 is connected to inner shaft 220, while handle 240 is connected to outer shaft 210. As trigger 250 is pulled towards handle 240, inner shaft 210 is retracted proximally relative to outer shaft 220 such that the distance between the distal ends of the inner and outer shafts is decreased. Since the inner and outer shafts are respectively coupled to the distal and proximal regions of apparatus 10, braid 30 is foreshortened and increases in diameter. This diametric expansion may be utilized to perform valvuloplasty, as described previously.

In embodiments of apparatus 10 that include the optional valve, the valve may comprise any of a variety of alternative valve designs. FIGS. 4 and 5 describe two such valve design embodiments. These embodiments are provided only for the sake of illustration and should in no way be construed as limiting; additional embodiments within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art in view of this disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, valve 20 is centrally mounted within apparatus 10, e.g., is circumferentially coupled to inner shaft 210 of delivery system 200. FIG. 4A shows apparatus 10 in the at-rest configuration, while FIG. 4B shows the apparatus in the expanded deployed configuration for performing valvuloplasty. In either configuration, as well as during transition between the two configurations, blood flow may pass through apparatus 10 along the outer circumferential edge of valve 20 between the valve and braid 30.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, valve 20 is mounted along the perimeter of apparatus 10, e.g., is coupled to braid 30, and has its opening in the middle of the apparatus. FIG. 5A shows apparatus 10 in the at-rest configuration, while FIG. 5B shows the apparatus in the expanded deployed configuration for performing valvuloplasty. In either configuration, as well as during transition between the two configurations, blood flow may pass through apparatus 10 through the center of valve 20. When valve 20 has a central opening as in FIG. 5, the valve may, for example, be configured as a single cusp, as multiple cusps, or as a spiral-shaped valve. In a preferred embodiment, the valve is a tricuspid valve. When spiral-shaped, the valve may, for example, comprise a strip of material that forms a helix on or along the inner diameter of the braid. The strip of material preferably is wide enough such that it is able to coapt against itself or against a central lumen or wire, such as a guidewire.

The apparatus optionally may have a seal that separates the interior of the apparatus from its exterior, e.g., that seals the openings in braid 30, such as seal 29 in FIG. 10B. The seal preferably is configured to expand with the braid. In use during valvuloplasty, the seal may facilitate sealing of the patient's native valve against the outside of the apparatus, while valve 20 functions within the interior of the apparatus. In this manner, the apparatus regulates blood flow during the valvuloplasty procedure, while reducing or eliminating uncontrolled leakage around the outside of the apparatus.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, the distal and proximal edges of braid 30 of apparatus 10 may be interfaced with a delivery system in a variety of ways in order to facilitate foreshortening, and thereby radial expansion, of the braid and of the apparatus. The exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 6-8 are provided only for the sake of illustration and should in no way be construed as limiting. Additional methods and apparatus within the scope of the present invention for interfacing braid 30 and/or apparatus 10 with a delivery system will be apparent to those of skill in the art in view of this disclosure.

In FIG. 6, delivery system 300 has a plurality of relatively stiff elements 302 coupled to both the distal and proximal ends of braid 30. In use, braid 30 may be foreshortened by applying a proximally directed force on the elements 302 coupled to the distal end of braid 30 and a distally directed force on the elements 302 coupled to the proximal end of braid 30. Elements 302 move radially with the braid during expansion and contraction of the braid.

In FIG. 7, stiff elements 302 are coupled to the proximal end of braid 30, while flexible control wires 304 are coupled to the distal end of the braid. Once again, braid 30 may be foreshortened by applying a proximally directed force on the control wires 304 and a distally directed force on the elements 302 coupled to the proximal end of braid 30.

In FIG. 8, delivery system 300 once again has relatively stiff elements 302 that are coupled to both the proximal and distal ends of braid 30. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the distal elements 302 are placed in compression rather than in tension during foreshortening of braid 30 and expansion of apparatus 10.

When used, for example, as an adjunct to PTVR, apparatus 10 and/or the delivery system may provide information useful in preparing for a PTVR procedure. For example, the apparatus and/or the delivery system may provide information useful in characterizing the implant size suitable for a particular patient. The apparatus and/or the delivery system may incorporate elements for measuring diameter and/or for quantifying radial expansion forces at the location intended for the implant.

Measurement of the expanded diameter of braid 30 during the valvuloplasty procedure (and thereby measurement of, e.g., the proper size for a PTVR implant) may be derived from measurement of linear foreshortening of the braid. The relationship between diameter and linear foreshortening depends on the particular design of braid 30. However, the relationship can be well understood and or empirically characterized for any given design. In some embodiments, the relationship between the length of braid 30 and the diameter of the braid can be approximated by the relationship: D=n(1² −K ²)^(1/2)/pi  (1) where D is the diameter of the braid, 1 is the length of the braid, and K and n are constants specific to the design of the braid. In other embodiments K may also vary as a function of a braid characteristic, such as length.

When implanting a replacement heart valve, it may be important to ensure that the anchoring force—i.e., the force exerted by the replacement valve on the patient's tissue, which equals the force applied by the tissue on the native valve—is sufficient to prevent migration of the implant valve after implantion. The force that will be applied to the patient's tissue by a replacement valve and anchor expanded to a particular diameter may also be determined by the device of this invention. This combination of diameter and radial force at that diameter helps determine the size PTVR implant to use and/or the size to which an adjustably sized implant should be expanded. The radial expansion force applied to the patient's native valve and/or valve annulus during deployment of braid 30 (and thereby measurement of, e.g., the proper stiffness or expansion force for a PTVR implant) is related to the force exerted to foreshorten braid 30. As with the diameter measurement, the relationship between foreshortening force and radial expansion force depends on the particular design of the braid. However, for a given design, the relationship can be well understood and empirically characterized.

Referring now to FIG. 9, control assembly 400 for deploying and retrieving valvuloplasty apparatus 10 is described. In this embodiment, the control assembly has measurement elements for determining information relevant to percutaneous transcatheter heart valve replacement. When used in combination with a delivery system, control assembly 400 is configured to measure the diameter of braid 30, as well as to determine the radial expansion force applied by the braid, during valvuloplasty with apparatus 10 at a location intended for subsequent placement of a PTVR implant. Control assembly 400 may be used in conjunction with any of the previously described delivery systems or with any other delivery system capable of delivering, deploying and retrieving apparatus 10. In FIG. 9, control assembly 400 illustratively is used in conjunction with delivery system 200 of FIG. 3, with control assembly 400 utilized in place of previously described control assembly 230. As described previously with respect to FIG. 3, the proximal region of apparatus 10 may be coupled to the distal end of outer shaft 220, while the distal region of the apparatus may be coupled to distal end of inner shaft 210.

When positioned at a valvuloplasty site, foreshortening of braid 30 of apparatus 10 may be achieved by squeezing trigger 408 such that it rotates about pivot 415 relative to handle 414. This proximally retracts ratchet element 405 relative to control assembly 400 via co-action between the ratchet and element 409 of the trigger. Element 409 is rotationally constrained around pivot 415 in the clockwise direction from its shown at-rest position. This movement retracts inner shaft 210 of delivery system 200 relative to outer shaft 220, thereby expanding apparatus 10. Spring-loaded tab 407 restrains ratchet 405 from slipping back to its original position in order to maintain the expansion of apparatus 10.

Control assembly 400 comprises a load-sensing capability and displacement-sensing capability. These two parameters provide information relating to the radial stiffness and to the diameter of the native valve or valve annulus. When ratchet element 405 is moved in the proximal direction, it transmits force through spring 412 to inner shaft 210 to move the inner shaft proximal relative to outer shaft 220. Diameter indicator needle 411, which is coupled to the proximal end of inner shaft 210, and displacement display 403 indicate the magnitude of displacement of inner shaft 210 relative to outer shaft 220. Since the outer shaft is coupled to the proximal region of apparatus 10 and the inner shaft is coupled to the distal region of the apparatus, this displacement measurement is indicative of the amount that braid 30 has foreshortened. As discussed previously, the diameter of apparatus 10 may be derived from measurement of linear foreshortening. In some embodiments, display 403 may be calibrated to the diameter of braid 30 or apparatus 10 such that indicator needle 411 provides a measurement of the diameter of apparatus 10. This diameter measurement may be used, e.g., to determine the size of a PTVR implant.

For measurement of radial expansion force, ratchet element 405, which is coupled to the proximal end of spring 412, may be read against load display 402. As spring 412 is urged proximally, load display 402 also moves in the proximal direction. The load or force necessary to sustain foreshortening of braid 30 and expansion of apparatus 10 is supported by spring element 412, which stretches in a characterizable amount in accordance with the magnitude of the load. For a standard spring this relationship is governed by Hooke's Law: F=kx  (2) where F is the load or force supported by the spring, k is the spring constant (per se known), and x is the linear displacement or amount of “stretch” in the spring. This amount of “stretch” is indicated by the relative movement between load indicator needle 410, which is coupled to inner shaft 210 (illustratively via diameter indicator needle 411) and load display 402. The load display preferably is calibrated in load units, such that load indicator needle 410 provides a measurement of radial expansion forces. This measurement may be used, e.g., to select a PTVR implant of proper radial stiffness and diameter.

The above displacement-sensing capability also may be facilitated by a number of alternative means, including, but not limited to, linear encoders, rotary encoders in association with rotary to linear motion converters, linear variable displacement transformers (“LVDTs”), etc. Furthermore, the load sensing capability may be replaced by a load cell. In some of these alternate embodiments the load and displacement displays may be an electronic display which is capable of displaying outputs in real time. Such outputs may additionally be stored internally and or transmitted to other digital devices. Additionally, such displays may provide a graphic representation of both load and diameter.

In other embodiments, the replacement valve itself may be used to perform valvuloplasty prior to implantation. For example, the braid 30 and valve 20 of FIG. 1 may be expanded within the native valve through active foreshortening, as described above. The diameter and force measurement gauges of FIG. 9 may be employed to indicate the amount of expansion achieved and the amount of force applied to the native valve. After performing valvuloplasty, the apparatus may be left behind to function as a replacement heart valve instead of being removed from the patient as discussed above.

In some embodiments, the braid of the replacement valve apparatus may be locked in an expanded condition. One example of a locking braid is shown in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, openings are formed at the top end of posts 32. These openings engage buckles 34 when the braid is foreshortened to form a lock 40. Other locking anchor apparatus may be used, such as those described in Ser. No. 10/746,120, filed Dec. 23, 2003, and Ser. No. 10/982,692, filed Nov. 5, 2004.

When a replacement valve apparatus with a locking anchor is used to perform valvuloplasty, it may be desirable to use an anchor that can be locked in multiple expanded diameters. For example, when the desired amount of expansion and expansion force has been achieved, the braided anchor may be locked in that diameter. One example of a post and buckle arrangement with multiple locking locations is shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, post 32 has multiple arrowhead shaped locking elements 46 with resilient or shape memory appendages 48 extending from them. In the unlocked configuration shown in FIG. 11A, an overtube 47 extending through buckle 42 prevents appendages from engaging buckle 42 as actuation element 106 b pulls post 32 proximally into and through buckle 42. When overtube 47 is withdrawn (controlled, e.g., by an actuator on the proximal handle of the delivery system), appendages 48 move outward to engage buckle 42 and lock the anchor in its expanded configuration. Other multiple position anchor locks are described in Ser. No. 10/746,120, filed Dec. 23, 2003, and Ser. No. 10/982,692, filed Nov. 5, 2004.

Also, when a replacement valve and anchor is used to perform valvuloplasty, the delivery system must have some way of releasing the valve and anchor at the completion of the deployment and implantation procedure. FIG. 12 show an example of a release mechanism using an overtube 310 surrounding actuation element 106 b. In FIG. 12A, the distal end 330 of actuation element 106 b forms a hook 332 that passes through a hole 320 formed in the end of post 32. Withdrawal of overtube 310 (controlled, e.g., by an actuator on the proximal handle of the delivery system) permits actuation element 106 b to straighten and withdraw from hole 320, as shown in FIG. 12B, thereby releasing post 32 from the delivery system. Similar release actuation mechanisms can be used for actuation elements controlling force delivered to the proximal end of the anchor. Other actuation element release mechanisms are described in Ser. No. 10/746,120, filed Dec. 23, 2003, and Ser. No. 10/982,692, filed Nov. 5, 2004. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for performing valvuloplasty, the method comprising: first, percutaneously delivering an expandable braid to a valvuloplasty site within a patient; second, expanding the expandable braid to perform the valvuloplasty; third, measuring foreshortening of the expandable braid during the valvuloplasty; fourth, determining a diameter of the expandable braid during the valvuloplasty from the foreshortening measurement; and fifth, allowing blood flow through the expandable braid during the valvuloplasty.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein percutaneously delivering an expandable braid further comprises percutaneously delivering a valve to the valvuloplasty site, and wherein allowing blood flow through the expandable braid during the valvuloplasty further comprises regulating blood flow with the valve.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising anchoring the expandable braid to the patient and supporting a replacement heart valve within the braid.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein expanding the expandable braid comprises foreshortening the device.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising measuring expansion forces applied to the expandable braid at the valvuloplasty site during the valvuloplasty procedure.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoring at least one characteristic of the expandable braid during the valvuloplasty.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising utilizing monitoring data to select an appropriate replacement valve implant for use during percutaneous transcatheter heart valve replacement.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising utilizing monitoring data to select an expanded size of the expandable braid to use as a valve implant.
 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising locking the expandable braid in the expanded size.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein expanding the expandable braid to perform the valvuloplasty further comprises expanding the device until feedback indicative of calcific cracking at the valvuloplasty site is received.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein expanding the expandable braid to perform the valvuloplasty further comprises sealingly engaging the patient's native valve structures with the expandable braid valvuloplasty device.
 12. The method of claim 1 further comprising: collapsing the expandable braid; and retrieving the expandable braid from the patient.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising performing percutaneous transcatheter heart valve replacement.
 14. A method for performing valvuloplasty and delivering a replacement heart valve, the method comprising: first, percutaneously delivering a replacement heart valve comprising an expandable anchor and a valve to the vicinity of a native heart valve within a patient; second, expanding the replacement heart valve to an expanded configuration to perform a valvuloplasty; third, measuring foreshortening of the expandable braid during the valvuloplasty; fourth, determining a diameter of the expandable braid during the valvuloplasty from the foreshortening measurement; and fifth, leaving the replacement heart valve in the patient and regulating blood flow through the replacement heart valve with the valve after performing the valvuloplasty.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein performing the valvuloplasty comprises regulating the flow of blood through the expandable anchor with the valve.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein expanding the replacement heart valve to an expanded configuration to perform a valvuloplasty comprises expanding the expandable anchor to an expanded configuration to perform the valvuloplasty.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein expanding the expandable anchor to an expanded configuration to perform a valvuloplasty comprises foreshortening the expandable anchor.
 18. A method for performing valvuloplasty comprising: first, percutaneously delivering an expandable anchor and a valve to the vicinity of a native heart valve within a patient; second, expanding the expandable anchor to an expanded configuration to perform a valvuloplasty; third, measuring foreshortening of the expandable braid during the valvuloplasty; fourth, determining a diameter of the expandable braid during the valvuloplasty from the foreshortening measurement; and fifth, regulating blood flow through the anchor with the valve during the valvuloplasty.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein percutaneously delivering an expandable anchor and a valve within a patient comprises percutaneously delivering a replacement heart valve comprising the expandable anchor and the valve; and further comprising leaving the replacement heart valve in the patient and regulating blood flow through the replacement heart valve with the valve after performing the valvuloplasty.
 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising removing the anchor and the valve from the patient after the valvuloplasty. 